At a glance

Your chance to

At a glance

10 nights fixed camping in two-person tents, 3 nights en suite hotel

5 days and 3 half days walking

Full porterage

Altitude maximum 1125m, average 200m

Enjoy national parks and mighty waterfalls

This full-circuit trekking itinerary includes five of the best walking areas in Iceland. We start in Thorsmork Valley exploring the new craters from the eruption of the Eyjafjallajokul Volcano, before heading to Skaftafell National Park, home of the huge Vatnajokull Ice Cap. We also trek the mountains of the eastern fjords and the lunar-like Lake Myvatn landscape of pseudo craters, lavafields and plentiful hot springs. Finally, we move to Kerlingarfjoll Volcano in the central highlands and within sight of the massive Hofsjokull Ice Cap. Our experienced guides take us on some of the most spectacular hiking trails to really explore this truly unique country.

Walk profile

Daily distance in km/miles:

Day 3

13.0km/8.1miles

Day 5

17.0km/10.6miles

Day 7

15.0km/9.3miles

Day 8

2.0km/1.2miles

Day 9

12.0km/7.5miles

Day 11

11.0km/6.8miles

Number of days walking: 6

Pace: Approximately 4-6 hours walking per day

Terrain: Low altitude; good paths with some steep ascents

Itinerary

We spend two days in the spectacular Thorsmork area. Named after Thor, the God of Thunder, this area is dominated by mountains and glaciers. With the help of our rugged 4x4 minibus we ford glaciers and tackle tough terrain to access some of the best hiking here. We drive to the Eyafjallajokull Volcano via the 60 metre high Seljalandsfoss Waterfall. On our journey we also see the Falljokull outlet glacier that bore the brunt of the flood caused by the eruption. As testament to the changes caused in the area, the lagoon that once sat below the glacier was filled with ash and gravel carried down by the melting ice and is now a gravel slope. From here we continue to the sheltered birch forest in Godaland where we will camp for the next two nights.See more images and videos

3Day 3Hike to the newly created craters and lavafields.

The Thorsmork Valley has been a popular area for decades, however now also offers a fantastic chance to see the effects of a volcanic eruption firsthand. From our camp we head out through the changing landscape, which alters the closer we get to the volcano itself. The dramatic views are topped by the new craters and lavafields created by the famous eruption of 2010.See more images and videos

4Day 4Drive to Skaftafell National Park via Skogafoss Waterfall and the Dyrholaey promontory.

Today's drive east along the south coast has plenty to distract us as we head for our glacier-side campsite in the Skaftafell National Park. We cross the great plain of southern Iceland towards the waterfalls of Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss and across the volcanic desert to the blustery cliffs of Cape Dyrholaey, the southernmost point in Iceland. The Dyrholaey headland is renowned for its precipitious cliffs teeming with birdlife (this area is closed to the public from 1st May to 25th June, during the nesting period).

Today is a little tougher - a climb up the Kristinartindar valley brings us to the pass between the two Kristinartindar peaks. From the pass we can take quite a steep but non-technical route to the top of the higher peak. This walk can take up to 8hrs. Views from the top are well worth the effort: Hvannadalshnukur - the highest mountain in Iceland; the huge ice-cap; tumbling glaciers on both sides and the North Atlantic Ocean in the distance.
There will be the option to venture on the ice as part of a guided glacier walk, ice equipment, harnesses etc are provided. There may also be the opportunity to try ice climbing in the National Park, or take a tractor ride to Ingolfshofdi, an isolated headland where hundreds of thousands of sea birds, including Puffins, nest. Please bear in mind that due to time constraints, taking part in one of these optional activities will mean that you will not be able to take part in the walk to Kristinartindar.See more images and videos

6Day 6Travel to Bakkagerdi village, stopping at the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon and Hofn.

We begin with the long drive from Skaftafell to the Eastern Fjords. After around 45 mins we make our first stop, at the Jokulsarlon Glacial Lagoon where the water from the outlet glacier Breidamerkurjokull is carving huge icebergs that float in the cold waters of the lagoon. We then take a short walk of around 1 hour to see the towering sheets of ice and even get close enough to touch the smaller chunks by the shore. There are usually lumps of ice lying on the beach, making for some excellent photographic opportunities. Seals are sometime visitors to the 300 metre long river than runs from here to the sea. North of Hofn (Icelandic for 'harbour') we enter the Eastern Fjords, and once again see a significant change in landscape. The road winds from fjord to fjord, past cascading streams, farms and small fishing villages. We continue on through Alftafjordur (Swan-Fjord) where hundreds of swans come to seek food and shelter on a shallow lagoon in moulting season. After a short stop in Egilsstadir village to pick up fresh supplies we drive to our camp in the small village of Bakkagerdi in the Borgarfjordur Eystri area.See more images and videos

7Day 7Hike to Storurd in the Dyrfjoll mountains.

The Dyrfjoll mountains are one of Iceland's most striking ranges. Dyrfjoll means 'Door Mountains' and comes from the 850 metre high pass - 'The Door' - that splits them. This area is the entrance to the remote Borgarfjordur region and our aim for the day is to walk through Storurd and up to the Door itself. This area is littered with gigantic boulders that seem totally out of kilter with the local scenery. It is thought the boulders where carried here by a glacier which is now long since melted, leaving behind a unique landscape that is one of Iceland's true gems.See more images and videos

From Borgarfjordur we head for Lake Myvatn, stopping en route at Europeï¿½s most powerful waterfall, Dettifoss. We hike down to the edge of the waterfall to experience this immense power for ourselves. Our journey then takes us on to Myvatn for a short walk in the lava fields and craters. We hike to Dimmuborgir, a vast area of lava towers and natural arches. The most spectacular of them is 'the Church', a large vault resembling a church. Only a short distance from Dimmuborgir is Mt.Hverfjall, a huge circular crater with a depth of 140 metres and 1000 metres in diameter. It is one of the most beautiful craters in Iceland, one which erupted some 2500 years ago and covered the Myvatn area in Tephra (fragments of volcanic rock). It is also thought to be one of the largest on the planet. We traverse Mt.Hverfjall, and a little further north is the rift crevasse Grjotagja with its crystal clear warm water.

We drive into the Krafla volcano area to explore the craters and lava from the eruptive period of 1975-1984. We hike into one of the craters and look at the strange textures of cooled magma splatters and rich colours of the mineral deposits. From the colourful Leirhnjukur hill we set course down to Lake Myvatn on foot and cross countless rift fissures and the lava falls Elda (Fire River) on an unforgettable hike. Back at Myvatn we have the chance to soak our muscles in one of the geothermal pools in an optional tour to the Nature Baths. This is a fabulous setting to enjoy traditional Icelandic relaxation (see optional costs below for prices).
See more images and videos

10Day 10Drive to Kerlingarfjoll; explore hot springs.

Today we will cover around 350km as we journey to Mt Kerlingarfjoll. The total journey time will be around 10 hours, though of this there is only around 5-6hours of driving. We make three stops en route, the first is Godafoss Waterfall - at 30m wide and 12m high an absolute must if visiting this part of the country. Our next stop is Akureyri, often called the capital of the north and the largest settlement outside the capital. Here you have a few hours to explore. We then cross the Trollaskagi mountain range and the old mountain route Kjolur. A stop at natural pools is a great chance to admire the view to the big icecaps both the east and west. From Hveravellir it takes about an hour to drive up to Mt.Kerlingarfjoll, usually arriving in the early evening, where we set up camp on the lower flanks of this old volcano.See more images and videos

11Day 11Full-day walk in the Kerlingarfjoll Mountains.

A full day of hiking in Kerlingarfjoll Mountains. Kerlingarfjoll is an extinct volcano that still holds enormous heat and in Hveradalur (Hot Spring Valley) we see the result of thousands of years of geothermal activity and glacial erosion. The combination of boiling colourful mud pits, pure yellow sulphur and snow is extraordinary. Mt.Kerlingarfjoll is capped with its own small glacier. In good visibility we set out to hike up to the 1400 m. high Mt.Snaekollur.See more images and videos

We drive south over the Kjolur Highland and down to Gullfoss waterfall. Again we have the opportunity to go out to the very edge of the falls and witness it cascade into the Hvitargljufur Canyon. A little further west is Geysir geothermal area with the original Geysir that other similar 'eruptive springs' elsewhere are named after. The most reliable eruption comes every 5-10 minutes from one called 'Strokkur'; the 30-metre jet of water and steam is spectacular.
Our final visit is to Thingvellir National park, the old site of the first Icelandic parliament. This area became Iceland's first National Park in 1928 and World Heritage Area in 2004, it sits right on top of a major fault line. The area abounds with waterfalls, immense fissures and the largest lake in the country. At the end of the day we return to Reykjavik.

A free day in the capital with plenty of options for activities and relaxation. Whale-watching, horse-riding and even sea kayaking are options for the active. Those wanting a little time to themselves can explore the small city centre, or relax in one of Reykjavik's many public outdoor swimming pools - geothermally heated of course! The most famous geo-thermal pool is the Blue Lagoon (30 mins drive from Reykjavik), and this can be visited as part of an organised excursion.See more images and videos

Your images

Guided Group

This is a small group guided holiday. The group is usually between 4 and 16 in size, with an average of 12 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.

Activity level

You are moderately fit and possess a spirit of adventure. Some previous experience is required for most activity based trips.

What's included

What's included

All breakfasts, 11 lunches and 10 dinners

All accommodation (see below)

All transport and listed activities

Tour leader throughout

Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

What's not included

Travel insurance

Single accommodation (available on request)

Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation details

Camping & Hotel

The first and last two nights are spent in Reykjavik. Here we usually use Hotel Cabin, offering comfortable rooms with en suite facilities.The hotel is approximately 800m from the city centre. As hotel availability in Reykjavik during the summer due to strong demand, we may occasionally use an alternative hotel of the same standard.
When camping we usually stay at organised campsites, with good facilities and showers are available for a small fee (about £2) at some, included at others. Some also have a launderette service or facilities for washing clothes.
We use spacious two-person tents with sewn-in groundsheets and separate flysheets are supplied. We provide a dining tent with a table, campstools, and LED lamps. Please note that some campsites in Iceland cannot be pre-booked, and are allocated on a first-come first-served basis. Occasionally in busy periods we may use campsites different to those outlined in the itinerary.

Single accommodation, including a single tent, is available from GBP300

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
No visa required for British passport holders.
There are no specific health risks. Holiday style

This trip is rated moderate, Level 3
The hardest day is the walk to Kristinartindar from Skaftafell. This can be up to 6 hours walking, with about 1000 m. of ascent. Like all walks it is optional; two other long days are around 4-6 hours.

Many days involve shorter walks in 2 or 3 different areas with a drive in between. Much of the terrain in Iceland is rocky and without paths, although we keep the walking non-technical, there will be some areas of loose ground where you must concentrate to keep your footing.

While camping, members are expected to participate, including erecting and dismantling your own tent, and helping the leader with some kitchen duties and the preparation of meals.

We will also have a few bars of chocolate, dried fruit, biscuits and some sweets to sustain us on the walks. Those who prefer evening drinks are advised to buy it in the duty free in Keflavik airport on arrival.

Vegetarians: As we do most of the cooking ourselves it is possible to cater for vegetarians. It is a good idea to take some of your own dietary substitutes with you if you have a specialist diet. Please tell us when booking if this is the case.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want
to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list.

Weather & seasonality

Iceland is on the northern edge of the temperate zone, meaning it has cool summers. Daytime temperatures in the summer months can be anything from 10 to 20degC, though in 2008 they reached 25 and could equally drop close to 0. As we are in a mountain area you must be prepared for some days of poor weather with strong winds and rain, but usually the weather is quite pleasant, though cool. There is constant daylight, but not midnight sun, in May, June and July.

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Reviews & community

This was my first organised group holiday so I was a bit anxious about it as I like organising holidays myself. However, I loved every second of it and will be going on an Exodus trip again. The trip was perfectly organised and the guide was incredible....nice, Icelandic, talkative, funny, excellent cook, and lots of stories about the history, folklore and geology of Iceland. I learnt so much on this trip. The trip also allowed space to be on your own if you so desired and there was no compulsion to be with the group at all time. Maybe I was lucky with the group, but they were all nice, down-to-earth people, mostly experienced walkers who were all there to enjoy the scenery and escape their usually busy lifestyles for a few weeks. I also liked this trip as all the walks were very varied. You have 5 big walking days and it varied from volcanic to glaciers to Alpine meadows to spooky, sulphuric mist walk. All excellent. It was one of my best holidays and will definitely go back to Iceland.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The tops of the mountains we climbed. Stunning views.

What did you think of your group leader?

Incredible. Very knowledgeable about Iceland's history, geology and wildlife. He worked very hard, cooked excellent food and was never grumpy

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Don't do this trip if you want to continue camping by yourself where you have to do all the hard work like making coffee and food. This trip makes you very lazy, but I loved it. When you get up the coffee &amp; porridge is already made and when you come back tired from a trip all you have to do is relax while somebody else prepares some lovely food. It will be hard camping on my own again.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

This was a wonderful holiday which way surpassed my expectations. We were probably lucky in that the weather was warm, dry &amp; clear most of the time &amp; we also had a harmonious group of interesting, sociable and considerate people. Exodus did an excellent job.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

There were many special moments &amp; highlights. To name a few - the scenery which was different but always stunning every day, walking around the top of Eyafjallajokull and having a picnic lunch in one of it's craters, icebergs stranded on the beach at Jokulsarlon, the turquoise icy lake in the Dyrfjoll Mountains, fresh arctic char &amp; BBQ camping dinners.

What did you think of your group leader?

Kristjan was exceptional in many ways - not only a cultured, interesting, amusing, experienced leader but also a captivating storyteller and excellent cook who was flexible to our wishes and provided many extras along the way.
Our driver Thor was also a huge asset to our tour due to his sense of humour &amp; willingness to help out in many ways.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Add a night or two at the beginning or end as there is a lot to do in Reykjavik &amp; the surrounding area.
Don't be fixated on dinner time! Days can be longer than expected so dinners were sometimes pretty late, but Kristjan always had biscuits to keep us going.
The tents are quite small for 2 people &amp; bags. If you are travelling on your own &amp; sharing, might be a good idea to upgrade to a single for just the camping part if you can.
Bring sun tan lotion. Even though temperatures are not high the sun can be very strong.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

There were 14 of us on our trip &amp; I am sure that everyone was very impressed. We had people of different abilities, some of us who although generally quite fit, do not trek very often but it all worked out. I didn't think anywhere was dangerous although you do have to concentrate &amp; watch your footing in some places. I can't see how anyone could not fail to be in love with Iceland after this trip.

Iceland Walking Explorer is a trip full of adventure and interest. The walking, whilst quite tough, is at a pace to suit everyone, takes you into some stunning scenery in remote locations. There is also plenty of sightseeing in a country which offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the world. Camping is in good mountain tents and on beautiful sites with the necessary facilities. The food and cooking are excellent and if you go to bed on an empty stomach, it's your own fault. Icelandic weather is unpredictable, so expect beautiful days mixed in with some rain which rarely lasts the day.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

The most inspirational moment of my trip was reaching the top of a volcano in the pouring rain to find a lovely hole in the ground blowing out warm sulphur smelling air. It was the perfect answer to preventing hypothermia, and I even got my gloves dry. Every mountain summit should have one.

What did you think of your group leader?

Christian, the group leader is a thorough professional with good communication skills. His leadership in the mountains is excellent. In camp he works tirelessly to cook satisfying meals in difficult conditions, and the food is first rate. His knowledge of the Icelandic environment and culture is second to none. Acknowledgement must be made to our 'coach' driver Thor. He is a great guy who goes well beyond his call of duty to assist with the camping, to get you to remote locations safely, and to ensure that everyone on the trek has the best possible holiday.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Expect full, varied, long days whether walking or travelling. Icelandic walking is no picnic. It is often remote and the weather can change quickly. Good quality personal walking equipment and footwear is essential. The weather can swing from warm and dry to cold and wet several times on a one day trek, so 'layer' your clothing. The sharp lava rock will sort out any equipment that is 'on its last legs', and it will eat the seat of your trousers if you don't have a sit mat.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

If you're thinking of planning a similar trip on your own forget it. This Exodus trip is excellent and you'd be very hard pushed either to replicate it or bring it in at the same cost -so go for it!

Starting a travel career in his mid 20’s was the best decision Ian's ever made. Reaching Everest Base Camp, walking through the Sun Gate at Machu Picchu, watching Grizzly bears in Yellowstone National Park and needing another holiday after a week at the Rio Carnival (!) are just some of his highlights. He has been on the Exodus Sales Team for over 8 years now, and is a cycling convert - who wants to be sat on a bus, when you can explore fantastic destinations on two wheels, or on foot?!

Questions about your trip

Pick your question

What is the camping like in Iceland?

On this trip we use two person tents and use fixed communal tents for dining and cooking. Organised campsites may only have basic facilities.. The group performs camp chores, although our staff provides advice and assistance.

When camping we usually stay at organised campsites, with good facilities and showers are available for a small fee (about £2) at some, included at others. Spacious two-person tents with sewn-in groundsheets and separate flysheets are supplied. We provide a dining tent with a table, campstools, and a gas lamp. Please note that some campsites in Iceland cannot be pre-booked, and are allocated on a firstcome first-served basis. Occasionally in busy periods we may use campsites different to those outlined in the itinerary.

The first and last two nights are spent in Reykjavik. Here we use centrally located guesthouses with simple rooms usually sleeping 2 to 4 per room and with shared facilities. The name of the guesthouse we are using will be confirmed in the pre-departure information.

Katarzyna Crompton - Iceland Operations

Iceland articles

Sales team member Andrea Beech also travelled there and you can read her insights here.

Do I need any visas?

No, if you hold an EU passport, you do not need any visa to travel. If you hold a non EU passport, please check with your nearest embassy.

Danuta Janik - Customer Operations

Anything I shouldn't miss in Rejkjavik?

The Blue Lagoon in Iceland is not to be missed! This large lake of steaming hot water is perhaps the most supernatural looking body of water on Earth. Descriptions of its waters range everywhere from “the same colour as the new Gatorade drink” to “frosty blue.” Though the latter term may sound good, the water in the lagoon is anything but “frosty.” The temperature in the swimmable area averages about 40C (104F), and the soothing, mineral-rich water is rumoured to have curative powers. You can plaster yourself with the mineral-laden mud, let your shoulders be pummelled by the thundering waterfall, swim and venture into the sauna.

Kai Aylward - Sales

Is Iceland as expensive as they say?

Unfortunately, yes. Costs can be very high and you should be prepared for this. Any dinners not included weill cost about £30-£40 and a beer about £6. The local currency is the krona, and can be easily obtained on arrival. ATMS are availabe in most towns as well.

Brendan Phelan - Customer Operations

Will it be warm in summertime?

Iceland is on the northern edge of the temperate zone, meaning it has cool summers. Daytime temperatures in the summer months can be anything from 10° to 20°C, though in 2008 they reached 25°C and could equally drop close to zero. As we are in some mountainous areas, you must be prepared for some days of poor weather with strong winds and rain, but usually the weather is quite pleasant, though cool. There is constant daylight, but not midnight sun, in May, June and July.

Kai Aylward - Sales

Exodus staff - expertise on hand to help

All the staff at Exodus share a passion for adventure travel, and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. You can find an expert for the area you are interested in here and can contact them to get further information. If you don't see your specific country listed, please email customerops@exodus.co.uk and they will get the answers you need!

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